THE sky's the limit for a Bury garage owner who has set off to Spain to represent Britain in the World Air Games.

Neil King, who runs the Brandlesholme Service Station in Brandlesholme Road, and his partner Eileen Krysztofiak, have soared into the upper reaches of the British microlight ratings, and landed a place in the national team. Based at a small airfield near Blackpool, the couple can normally be seen practising in their small motor-powered aircraft in the skies above Bury, Ramsbottom and Tottington.

On Wednesday (June 13)they headed off with their trailer to Andalucia, where they will pit their flying skills against hundreds of competitors from around the world.

Neil (54) said: "I just hope that we'll be in the top 20, but you can get gold, silver or bronze medals. There's nothing to be gained financially though, it costs a fortune!" Although it is expensive, microlighting remains the cheapest form of powered flight, which first attracted aviation fan Neil to the sport 12 years ago. His fabric-winged, dual-seater aircraft, powered by a motor propeller normally, flies at an altitude of around 3,000ft, with Eileen (50) acting as navigator.

"You're quite exposed," said Neil. "Compared to a normal plane it's like a motorbike as opposed to a car, but it isn't dangerous. It's actually got one of the best safety records among the different forms of aviation.

"Microlights had a bad reputation a few years ago because there wasn't a lot of regulation. People were just making anything and trying to fly it, but now it has become very safe."

And in their quest for glory, Neil and Eileen, who live in Little Lever, will have little time for bickering over maps and directions.

"There are one or two arguments, but not many," said Neil. "We just have our own jobs and get on with them."